Categories   >   Manufacturing Payroll Software
Last Reviewed: November 18th, 2024

Best Manufacturing Payroll Software Of 2024

What is Manufacturing Payroll Software?

Manufacturing Payroll Software is a niche solution, designed to cater to the complex payroll needs of the manufacturing sector. The software is instrumental in managing hourly wages, shift differentials, and overtime payments, which are peculiar to this industry. Importantly, this software ensures accurate wage calculations, streamlines reporting, and aids in maintaining compliance with labor laws. Its core features typically include time tracking, tax management, direct deposit, and wage calculation algorithms. Emerging trends spotlight seamless HR integration, real-time analytics, and mobile access functionalities. Primarily, manufacturing companies with shift-based or hourly workers stand to benefit the most. However, these systems may pose challenges in terms of complexity, especially for businesses without a dedicated HR or payroll team. In conclusion, Manufacturing Payroll Software, albeit its potential limitations, provides a tailored solution for managing complex payroll scenarios typical in the manufacturing sector, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.

What Are The Key Benefits of Manufacturing Payroll Software?

  • Ensures accurate calculations
  • Simplifies compliance
  • Streamlines payroll process
  • Automates wage calculations
  • Improves reporting efficiency
  • Manages shift differentials
  • Handles overtime payments
  • Supports direct deposit
  • Provides real-time analytics
  • Enables mobile access
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 82 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Manufacturing Payroll Software overall:

ADP RUN
ADP RUN
Start Price
$79
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked ADP RUN

RUN powered by ADP is a popular payroll and HR solution for a range of small businesses, including startups and newer companies needing robust payroll and HR tools (without extensive expertise).

Its efficient tools for managing employee records, benefits and compliance help these professionals minimize manual effort. Payroll specialists and accountants or bookkeepers also benefit from ADP RUN's automation and error detection.

The main menu and search bar (with shortcuts for common tasks under it) made it easy to find what I was looking for without an annoying amount of redirects or feeling like a game of Where’s Waldo. It’s simple and uncomplicated to view your paystub and when payday is.

For admins, the payroll feature seems straightforward. View your pay period, use “Calculate Paycheck” and check dates. Get an overview of payroll either for all employees or sort by things like last name. When you log in and get to the main page, there’s also a convenient reminder(s) section called “Top To-Dos.”

For famous document misplacers, there’s a document vault that keeps important info secure and accessible.

Onboard fully from your phone, including setting up direct deposit and tax withholdings without waiting for HR to show you how. For me, working remotely makes mobile access a must-have, and ADP RUN checks that box with mobile clocking in and out, viewing company policies, PTO, and pay info. Admins can also fully get payroll done on their phones.

If anything seems off, payroll error detection activates a pop-up box asking, “Does this look right?” and gives a brief explanation of potential issues; from there, admins select “Ignore issues” or “Go back and fix.”

Run a single report or select a popular report option. View payroll details, liabilities and summaries. Choose your date range and download the report from there (on the app or desktop).

Recent reviews cite long wait times over the phone for customer service. When I called the general line, I shared my details and got a specific number to dial. I would prefer direct transfers over calling separate numbers, although this might change once you have a designated contact.

Lastly, I've noticed that the cost is higher compared to competitors like Paychex or Workday. Purchasing add-on features “a la carte” affects the cost, which may be frustrating to some users who need more in-depth functionality on a smaller budget.

The RUN Powered by ADP® Mobile Payroll app is a free download for mobile devices. With the app, you can complete payroll processing, view reports like payroll liability and access or update employee 1099 info. Additional mobile app features vary depending on Apple or Android devices, such as a chat feature for Androids and pay rate changes on Apple devices.

Overall, RUN Powered by ADP is a comprehensive payroll solution for small businesses. Its intuitive design is great for users with little to no experience in most cases. It might be pricier than some alternatives, but most users find the added cost valid, considering its user-friendly interface, payroll automation and mobile app features.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: A whopping 88% of users found the design intuitive and user-friendly, including the mobile app. Specifically, the payroll side is noted for its clear presentation.
  • Excellent Customer Service: 82% of ADP RUN users praise its customer service, particularly the prompt assistance and effective issue resolution through the 24/7 chat feature.
  • Efficient Reporting: Users enjoy ADP RUN's reporting for ensuring accurate P&L allocation and payroll tracking. The report generator helps tailor payroll reports for seamless integration with accounting files for a more comprehensive overview.
  • User-Friendly Payroll Processing: Most users find the payroll feature easy and efficient. They appreciate the quick data entry process and fail-safe questions to prevent errors.
  • 24/7 Customer Service: RUN offers phone and online support to ensure the speedy resolution of issues. In reviews, users say customer service is polite, knowledgeable and effective.
  • Automated Tax Filing: Companies can leave all their taxes to RUN. They don’t have to worry about filing on time. Instead, they can trust experienced professionals to handle it.
  • Easy to Use: The platform is easy to navigate and use, with a relatively small learning curve.
  • Multiple Reports: Built-in reports are easy to generate; you can also “favorite” frequent reports to save time. They’re also convenient to view online and export as a PDF or Excel file.
  • Limited Timesheets: Some express a desire for a customizable timesheet.
  • PTO Woes: Users have mixed experiences with ADP RUN's PTO feature. They encounter challenges with managers not receiving timely alerts for PTO requests and being directed to incorrect pages when trying to approve requests. There's a desire for more customization options, particularly in setting PTO features tailored to individual employee needs.
  • Holiday Time Off: Some users also face difficulties updating company holidays for specific pay classes within the system.
  • Tax Questions: Some users request additional clarity when setting up earning and deductions tax status in payroll.
  • Add-Ons Get Expensive: Not all functionalities are available in the main application.
  • Costly Upgrades: It’s relatively expensive, and upgrading from one tier to the next isn’t always seamless. It’s not the most affordable for companies with many pay cycles per month. Other payroll options offer similar functions and cost less.
  • Difficult/Limited Functionality: Some issues include:
    • Users can’t edit payroll after submission.
    • No feature for escalating to supervisors.
    • Hard to remove workers hired to cover during vacations.
    • No unlimited payroll runs.
    • No option to create multiple paychecks for one person during the pay cycle.
  • Implementation Miscommunication: Some reviewers have reported poor communication when working through implementation issues. However, some say that after setup, it’s easy to use, and potential hurdles are worth the trouble.
  • Slow Phone Customer Service: Customer service is ultimately helpful, but many users get frustrated by long wait times to speak with a rep. After all, any issue regarding money may be a serious one.

Key Features

  • Payroll: Check employee hours, adjust details like rates and bonuses, and review the payroll (helping estimate costs for your current pay period). This feature also integrates with general ledgers and exports to Xero and QuickBooks.
  • Insurance: Connects with licensed insurance pros to help pick the right coverage for your business with the ADP Insurance Agency. They've got workers’ comp, auto insurance, BOP, liability insurance and group health insurance. This setup makes it easy to handle premium payments and get certificates of insurance.
  • Mobile Solutions: Securely access the system anytime, anywhere, including clocking in and out with mobile timecards via iOS and Android-ready apps.
  • Hiring and Onboarding: Connect with ZipRecruiter to post jobs, invite candidates, access a resume database and use a wizard to create job descriptions. ADP RUN also includes background check capabilities.
  • Self Onboarding: Let employees fill out paperwork and set up account details, such as direct deposit, before their first day of work.
  • Reporting: View custom reports related to profiles, payroll, PTO and deductions. Arrange report fields with the drag-and-drop functionality and filters help you find what you need faster. Export reports in CSV, PDF or Excel formats.
Paycom
Paycom
Start Price
$25
Per Employee, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Paycom

Paycom users in the past year have expressed both enthusiasm and concerns about the software. Many praise its user-friendly interface, mobile app convenience, and comprehensive feature set, which includes payroll, HR, benefits administration, and talent management. Compared to competitors, users find Paycom to be more intuitive and integrated, streamlining HR processes and saving time. Additionally, customer service is often lauded as responsive and helpful. However, some drawbacks are also mentioned. Implementation can be complex and require significant initial effort. Pricing concerns surface, with Paycom perceived as costlier than some competitors. While offering a wider range of features, this may not be necessary for all businesses, leading to potential overpaying for unused functionalities. Overall, Paycom seems to be a powerful and user-friendly option for companies seeking a one-stop HR and payroll solution. However, its complexity and cost warrant careful consideration, especially for smaller businesses or those with simpler needs. Comparing features and pricing with competitors is crucial to ensure Paycom aligns with your specific requirements and budget.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: 85% of reviews mentioning the interface noted the platform has an intuitive layout, with all features organized and easy to locate.
  • Customer Service: Customer support is highly responsive, as asserted by 100% of reviews referencing it.
  • Employee Self-Services: All users referring to self-service observed that employees can easily upload documents, view information and track performance.
  • Performance Reviews: An open dialogue tool makes employee performance reviews more effective, as indicated by 70% of reviews mentioning this feature.
  • Use Anywhere: The mobile app is easy to use and has all desktop features available, as asserted by 100% reviews on this feature.
  • Customization: Customization for most features helps cater to a company’s unique requirements, as noted by all reviews on product customization.
  • Login Process: All reviews on the login process observed that employees need to log in every time they open the software, as there’s no password save feature.
  • Challenging Transition: Transitioning between the client and employee side is challenging and cumbersome, as users need to log in to both systems, according to all reviews on this aspect.
  • Learning Curve: All users reviewing learning noted that the platform has a steep learning curve, making adaptation difficult for new users.
  • Integration Capabilities: The system doesn't provide integration with major third-party platforms without using SFTP or API, as indicated by 100% of reviews on this feature.

Key Features

  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Build customizable databases to view relevant applicant information and track candidates as they move through the application process. Managers can search and sort applicants by information such as degree, specific skill sets, work history and more. 
  • Compensation Management: Define budgets, award bonuses and integrate with payroll to ensure that all employees receive fair compensation without overspending. 
  • Job Posting: Allows managers to post open positions to thousands of job boards. Managers can also rely on recruitment data to build reports to determine if their recruiting efforts are working. 
  • Payroll: Calculate taxes, process payroll, account for employee expenses and more, directly through the platform. Automate payroll processing, ensuring that employees are always paid the accurate amount at the correct time. 
  • Performance Management: Schedule and facilitate employee performance appraisals directly through the platform. 
  • Reporting: Leverage Paycom’s built-in analytics to generate reports on a variety of processes, including payroll, time and attendance, compensation and more. 
  • Scheduling: Create and edit employee schedules and approve requests for time off through the system’s calendar. Automate time tracking and integrate with payroll to streamline pay processing. 
Paylocity
Paylocity
Start Price
$19
Per Employee, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Paylocity

Paylocity is a user-friendly HCM solution that works well for SMBs and delivers an array of features such as payroll management, hiring and talent management in a unified suite. Self-service capabilities help employees access their information. Some users found issues with its payroll, tracking and timesheet capabilities, reducing accuracy and limiting what can be done. However, it offers an intuitive interface, with tools like onboarding and PTO that make tasks easier while speeding up processes. Businesses looking for an end-to-end system to manage HR functions should consider this as a good contender.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly Interface: 60% of users suggested that the interface is user-friendly, with automated payroll and simplified workflows that make it easy to operate and monitor teams.
  • Unified Dashboard: Paylocity enables HRIS, payroll, timekeeping and admin-related tasks to be handled from a single location, according to 60% of users.
  • Performance Benefits: It eases task management for essential activities such as checking time off balances and paychecks, conducting goal assessments and achievements, performing year-end reviews, and more.
  • Easy PTO: It’s easy to use and implement in a day-to-day work routine, with 30% of users mentioning they can check staff availability before approving leaves.
  • Streamlined Onboarding: The onboarding process checks in candidates and sends paperwork before they start, making it 10%-20% easier for admin setup and paperwork completion according to users.
  • Support Team: Paylocity's support process is lengthy according to 30% of users, requiring a lot of back and forth to get an issue resolved, which usually takes days.
  • Cumbersome Payroll: The payroll module requires set up by different people and doesn’t function accurately according to 10% of users.
  • Timesheets: Tracking time is difficult, as Paylocity doesn’t update and capture time entries until a shift is completed.
  • System Logouts: Despite automation, additional verification is required when logging in, causing 10% of users to completely exit and then log in again.
  • Tracking: Tracking functionality doesn’t work well for all the features in the experience of 10%-20% of users.

Key Features

  • Payroll: Companies can simplify multiple financial tasks related to payroll with this feature. It automates payroll processes and takes care of tax compliance, expense reimbursements into paychecks, garnishment services and custom reports that derive whatever data that’s needed. It provides employees with the flexibility to access a portion of their earned wages when needed. 
  • Workforce Management: This feature helps eliminate the need for manual tracking of tasks, reduces administrative work and maintains accurate records of individual employees. The review forms can be customized to promote employees to set goals via an insight chart. 
  • Employee Self-Service: The software provides users with admin analytics, 24/7 secure access, enrollment and insurance access, and internal plans. This feature helps employees and employers to access, update, enroll and administer data respectively. 
  • Time and Labor Management: Workers can clock in and out via the mobile app, and managers can set geofencing rules that ensure accurate clock-punching. It also syncs with payroll automatically and allows managers to create and adjust schedules as needed, without manually correcting payroll data. 
  • Data Insights: The platform allows users to access demographic information, utilization, headcount, labor costs, position insights, turnover and retention. It also features real-time employee data, analytics for employment trends, strategic hiring and budgeting decisions, and programs to build a diverse workforce. 
  • Reports: The system comes with over 100 standard reports along with an ad hoc reporting tool. Users can schedule reports to automatically generate and track key reports with a favorites feature. 
  • Compensation Management: With this feature, administrators can configure settings such as the approval process and eligibility requirements. It also supports the customization of compensation plans to match organizational pay cycles. Company leaders gain a view into budgets and allocations, while managers can provide increases and view employee data like performance and pay history.  
  • Marketplace Integrations: Organizations can extend Paylocity’s capabilities to streamline the payroll regularity and HR data management across all policies. The solution connects with partner solutions in 20 categories, including single sign-on (SSO), ERP and a variety of HR-related functions. More than 300 integrations are available in the vendor marketplace. Data can flow into or out of Paylocity, or in both directions, depending on the integration. 
Paychex
Paychex
Start Price
$39
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Paychex

Paychex incorporates a range of different solutions and is used widely by small, medium and large-sized companies. While around 40% of users were happy with the functionality of the system, the majority expressed dissatisfaction with its tax capabilities, pricing and customer service. Many described it as dishonest and complained especially that they were oversold on its capabilities and that the salespeople used pushy tactics to try and upsell them. Other complaints of the system included making errors, overpaying employees or even miscalculating taxes resulting in serious penalties. Current and former clients greatly disliked the service.
The UI was the most positively reviewed element of the platform with around 80% expressing satisfaction with the design and navigation. Around 50% were happy with the pricing structure and a minority of around 30% of users said they had positive experiences with some select customer service members. This disparity in experiences may be in part to the high turnover rate in representatives which is mentioned many times during the reviews. This solution could be appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses. It supports larger enterprises, but buyers should make sure it has the necessary functionality before purchasing.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly UI: A total of 80% of reviewers who mentioned the UI felt it easy to use.
  • Price Within Budget: Around 50% of reviewers that mentioned price were satisfied with the pricing structure and found that the system was worth it.
  • Late Submissions and Missed Deadlines: Around 80% of reviewers that mentioned taxes ran into issues, with around 70% saying they had to pay penalties as a result.
  • Terrible Customer Service: Clients complained that the customer service was rude, unqualified, ill-informed, unhelpful and had high turnover in almost 70% of reviews that mentioned customer service.
  • Broken Features: Over 50% of reviews that mentioned the features said they were left wanting. The most common issues were communication problems. Just under 20% of all reviewers complained about errors made by either the solution or the staff.
  • Late Cancellations: Around 20% of reviewers that discussed price complained that they had canceled the program, but it had kept taking money out of their account.

Key Features

  • Products: It has many different products for different applications. Here are the most important:
    • Payroll: The platform offers payment for businesses with one employee, under 10 employees, from 10-49 employees and from 50 to over 1,000 workers. This includes online payroll, taxes, deductions and many tools to generate reports and look at costs.
    • Time and Attendance: The online time and attendance function ties in directly to payroll, saving time when trying to calculate paychecks. In addition to the software, it also offers TrueShift physical time clocks and the InVision iris recognition clocks. Users can track team activity in real time through the manager’s dashboard, and allow employees to record time, approve timecards and check schedules through the employee dashboard.
    • HR: It has a range of HR services and software including employee development, hiring, records administration, compliance, benefits administration, learning management and more.
      • Professional Employer Organization: This is a full-service HR consulting program that helps organizations with liability issues, daily worker problems, risk management, benefits administration and other related issues.
      • Hiring Service: The software can make the hiring process easier with applicant tracking, screening, recruiting and onboarding capabilities. Please note, they don’t have employee leasing, temp staffing or contract staff services.
      • Employee Benefits: Managers and workers alike can get access to health insurance for groups or individuals, financial wellness and retirement planning.
    • Business Insurance: Users can get property and casualty insurance with the help of agents who assist in the selection and implementation process for the new benefits. This includes business owner policies, cyber liability and workers’ compensation.
    • Finances and Payments: Besides payroll, this program also has business loans, expense management, tax administration and processing for payments.
    • Startup Solutions: For new businesses, it offers guides, consulting, advice and more for multiple aspects of the process. They give aid with marketing, the incorporation process, business management and access to free online tools.
  • Payroll and Tax Filing: Process payroll and automatically calculate taxes. Paychex can calculate, file and pay taxes at the federal, state and local level automatically. The platform can calculate hours, doing setup for direct deposit and setting hours per pay period.
  • General Ledger: Synchronize payroll data with integrations offered by Paychex. The system is compatible with a variety of popular accounting systems, including QuickBooks Online and Xero.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Generate custom analytics and reports or choose from over 160 customizable templates to track and visualize relevant data.
  • Learning and Development: Employees can take advantage of online courses to stay educated on relevant topics. Not only does this increase productivity, but it makes employees feel more invested in.
  • Core HR: It gives employee feedback, manages employee training and tracks important documents through the system’s interface.
  • Onboarding: Applicants and new hires can complete new hire documents, such as tax forms, and set up direct deposit directly through the platform.
  • Paycheck Protection Program: Introduced by the CARES Act as a measure for economic stability during the COVID pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program loans encourage small businesses to keep or rehire workers that have been furloughed. This system offers a quick way to apply for this loan.
UKG Pro
UKG Pro
Start Price
$100
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked UKG Pro

UKG Pro is a cloud-based platform that’s designed to streamline global human capital management across all industries. It brings together key functions like payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding and learning management in one place.

Some standout features include an advanced scheduling tool that helps balance staffing levels and control labor costs. AI is a big player here, enhancing HR tasks with things like schedule optimization, retention forecasting, sentiment analysis and candidate matching.

From what I've seen through the demo, the mobile app lays everything out in a simple, direct way with menu options like time off, pay, HR help, benefits, goals, notes and learning. Under learning, there's a variety of helpful courses, including security awareness, conflict management and mindfulness training.

Completing requests seems quick and straightforward. Click HR Help and find requests to ask for a shift change, PTO or travel expense.

Manage assignments by viewing "To-Dos," including what's waiting for completion and what's crossed off your list already. Plan effectively with a headcount under metrics, showing who is on leave or on the clock in real time.

On the subject of planning ahead, UKG Pro scores a perfect 100 under succession management, with talent matrix, talent pool and talent insight functionalities.

Document management is also a top feature, earning 100 for its capabilities. It includes access controls, document search, automatic tax document generation and the creation of employee handbooks and policies.

Managing performance can be challenging, especially with a large team. It's important to ensure that everyone feels valued, but time constraints can make this difficult. UKG Pro’s talent dashboard helps by highlighting top performers and potential flight risks, making it easier for you to address issues and make necessary adjustments.

One thing I really liked was that there's a page for work-life balance with improvement ideas, including resisting multitasking, expanding team goals and introducing flexible work schedules. This helps employees feel valued, which ultimately fosters more productivity and job retention.

Additionally, I thought it was admirable there’s a "Giving" option on the platform for creating employee giving programs and tracking donations. This is a great source for team building, increasing engagement and building a more positive work environment.

Using the live chat, I selected customer support and then UKG Pro, which led me to FAQs. After hitting thumbs down to request a representative, I asked for an in-depth demo. The chatbot offered alternative solutions or the option to end the chat. When starting a new chat, the previous conversation was visible, but there was no option to start a new chat from scratch.

Pricing starts at $100 per user per month with a per-user model, and you can request a free trial.

Pros & Cons

  • Employee Data Management: Users commend UKG Pro for its robust employee data management capabilities.
  • Payroll Processing: Reviewers consistently highlight UKG Pro's payroll processing feature for its efficiency, accuracy and intuitive interface.
  • User Interface: Some users found the UI slightly outdated based on confusing design elements, unclear wording choices and inefficient grouping that collectively hinder intuitive navigation within the system.
  • Reporting: Some users describe UKG Pro’s reporting feature as ineffective and lacking user-friendliness.

Key Features

  • Payroll: Incorporate a scalable, configurable engine for accurate, streamlined pay processing. This feature also includes:
    • Role-based access to ensure data security.
    • Prebuilt tax compliance, automatic tax updates every quarter and GIS-powered search to ensure accurate taxes based on employee location.
    • End-of-year reporting tools, including a task checklist.
    • Pay modeling calculator, enabling employees to calculate information on their own.
    • Integration support for global payroll providers and TurboTax.
    • Dashboards showing alerts and metrics.
  • Benefits: Provide help videos and documentation to assist employees. Key components include plan recommendations and side-by-side comparisons, process automation, search filters, compliance reporting, transaction records, admin tools and connectors to hundreds of carriers.
  • Workforce Scheduling: Ensure effective shift planning and workforce management with advanced scheduling capabilities previously found in UKG Dimensions.
  • Workforce Planning and Optimization: Make strategic planning and resource allocation a breeze. UKG Pro now packs the workforce planning and optimization tools from UKG Dimensions.
  • Time and Attendance: Optimize timekeeping and absence management with UKG Pro's enhanced time tracking and attendance features, which are now integrated from UKG Dimensions.
  • Learning: Aid employee learning and development by providing:
    • On-demand, mobile access to training materials in multiple languages.
    • Gamification, rewards and social tools foster engagement.
    • Blended learning, a drag-and-drop interface for content creation and a course marketplace with more than 3,000 courses.
    • Channels for employees to capture and share knowledge with coworkers.
  • Recruiting: Make talent sourcing and acquisition for recruiting teams and candidates easier and more efficient.
    • Recruiters: Dashboards show candidate and opportunity status and AI scoring reveals applicants that are the best match. Multi-language, multiple job board postings and screening questions also included.
    • Candidates: Applicants can submit their LinkedIn profile, receive open position suggestions based on basic information and provide an in-depth picture of themselves by sharing details like motivators and behaviors.
  • Onboarding: Access a dashboard that has a timeline for tasks they need to complete, job-related videos and training material, and required forms, which they can fill out electronically. They can also create goals and connect with teammates.
  • InTouch DX: Give managers and employees flexible, real-time access for time and attendance processes. This timeclock device is designed for an hourly, mobile workforce.
    • Features include configuration options, real-time data, a touchscreen, native intelligence capabilities and multiple integrated readers.
    • Managers can track employee information, confirm transactions and ensure schedules are followed.
    • Employees can request PTO, view time cards and schedules, punch in and out, receive push notifications, and receive suggested actions based on upcoming tasks.
  • BI Reporting: Display real-time data in a clear, user-friendly format, empowering managers and executives to monitor and analyze KPIs. They offer both prebuilt and customizable reports. It provides insights for:
    • Human resource metrics like headcount based on local and global demographics.
    • Benefit plan costs and employee participation.
    • Financial information like overtime cost, pay equity and payroll totals.
    • ACA filing data, including risks, deadlines and eligibility.
    • Recruiting costs and sourcing data.
    • Employee performance, retention estimators and 9-box assessment.
    • Pay factors ranging from expenses and revenue to total compensation at the global level.
    • Survey data, including participation, engagement details, historical trends and metric performance based on industry benchmarks.
  • Compensation Management: Reward employees based on achievements through salary planning, customizable compensation plans, merit rules and analytics. It supports targets based on units, flat amounts or a percentage of base pay.
  • Performance Management: Drive employee engagement and growth while giving managers insight into individual and team performance. Features include tracking dashboards, automated reviews, goals, achievement ratings and real-time feedback.
  • Surveys: Gather employee sentiment using AI, natural language processing and machine learning. They offer a question library, templates, mobile-friendly design, custom dashboards and curated improvement suggestions.
  • File Management: Organize and manage employee documents with a central repository along with role and type-based permissions. Templates automatically fill in employee details, and a compliance assist feature ensures global adherence.
  • Succession Management: Develop a talent pipeline, ensuring your employees are prepared to take on new roles. There are plans for any level in the company, alongside talent evaluation, predictive analytics, reporting and personal development tools.
  • Integration Hub: Support developers in enhancing the system through integrations by offering:
    • A collaborative community, a developer portal and APIs.
    • Sample code and instructional articles to speed up deployment.
    • A marketplace of product and service partners.
  • UKG Talk: Facilitate engagement and inclusivity within your organization by supporting various communication methods like:
    • Company-wide announcements.
    • Direct messaging.
    • Team group chats.
    • Employee feedback and participation through celebrations, idea collection and achievement recognition.
    • Provide actionable insights by measuring communication impact and engagement metrics.
Paychex Flex
Paychex Flex
Start Price
$39
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex is a solid payroll processing system best liked for its ease of use, positive customer service interactions, fair price and useful functionality. However, it comes with several drawbacks as well. While it’s easy to use, the onboarding takes time and can be initially frustrating. The customer service is good but the high turnover with representatives can be trying. A small but significant percentage had problems with the time and attendance features, either having issues with their punches not being registered or issues with the physical biometric clocks. Overall, it seems best for small and medium businesses looking to automate their payroll. Any organization with multiple types of workers, complex pay rules or many different kinds of income to report should be sure to demo the system carefully and may want to find a more complex option.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: Just under 50% of reviews said the user experience was good and the interface worked well.
  • Good Support: Around 40% had good interactions with customer service and were happy with their level of care.
  • Proper Functionality: One-third of reviewers felt that the system was fully equipped with the tools they needed and especially liked the efficient payroll processing, benefits management, the transparency employees had on their payments and the PTO features.
  • Value for Price: Around 20% of reviews felt happy with the price and said it was well worth it.
  • Issues with Features: Just under 40% of reviewers felt the features were lacking. The biggest concerns were that the UI was difficult to learn initially and the reporting wasn’t sophisticated enough.
  • Time and Attendance Systems: Over 20% of users had problems with the punching system or the biometric clocks.
  • Poor Customer Service: While users felt that the customer service was helpful overall, they noted a high rate of turnover with their reps which often led to gaps in service.

Key Features

  • Online Payroll: Handle payroll management. Automatically calculate taxes, payments and files. View critical data, including the cash required for upcoming paydays. Use safeguards such as notifications to prevent errors. Employees can access direct deposit and pay stub information directly. Last, administrators can access documentation and records like cash requirements, the payroll journal and tax deposit notices.
  • Tax Administration: Calculate taxes, add hours to each pay period, file returns and set up direct deposit.
  • Mobile: Access information on W-2s, direct deposit and other important information. For organizations that want to use the solution’s attendance functionality, workers can easily punch in and out on the app. Run it on smartphones and tablets with iOS or Android. It requires iOS 12.0 or higher and an Android OS of 7.0 or higher to run.
  • Reporting: Comes with over 160 dashboards and reports. Access reporting for payroll journals, department summaries, notices of tax deposits and cash requirements. For businesses looking for more robust options, look into the workforce management options.
  • Multiple Versions: Choose from a variety of purchase options to select the option that best meets business needs. The packages include:
    • Small Business Payroll: Use for businesses with under 50 workers. Use payment processing and access to the mobile app. Calculate state, federal and local taxes. Finish onboarding, complete forms, edit personal info and see compensation data. Provide direct deposit, pay cards and paper check for payment options. For businesses with multiple worker types, offer payment hourly, by salary or by contract. Provide help with labor compliance, garnishment payments, new hire reporting and over 160 reports for analytics.
    • Mid-Sized Business Payroll: Use for businesses with 10 to 49 employees. Handle applicant tracking, attendance, recruiting, onboarding, hiring, health benefits, retirement, health insurance and other similar administrative tasks. Expand the platform HR capabilities by including HR record management, an events calendar and reporting and analytics for the department.
    • Enterprise Payroll Management: Use for 50 to over 1,000 workers. Provide more robust HR abilities in addition to compensation management. Works for hiring, recruiting, training, compliance, handling offboarding, applicant tracking, time and attendance, health benefits, HR record management, an events calendar, retirement and expanded HR analytics.
  • Benefits: Complete the benefits management process. Run enrollment and analyze data. Manage group health insurance, retirement, section 125 plans, FSAs, POPs, retirement and more. Update information in real time and change benefit data easily. Give employers more control over invoices, benefit costs and bill reconciliations. Work with financial advisers and educate staff about the retirement plan offerings.
  • Compliance: Keep up with new tax laws and determine the status of essential laws like the Affordable Care Act.
  • Workplace Analytics: Analyze data and create a staff and workforce strategy. Create reports for analytics, HR, payroll and benefits. Generate customized reports for more detail. Provide accountants, financial advisors or bookkeepers with the access they need. Access the quick answers function, giving info on total earnings, net pay, tax liability and hours without pulling a full report. View live reporting to see information as it happens. Export information in various file types, including CSV, fixed-width, PDF and XLS. Send data to third-party software where users can add fields, adjust formatting or even build graphs.
  • Time and Attendance: Provide several options for tracking time and clocking in and out. It integrates with other solutions to track labor costs.
    • Time Kiosk: Allow employers to turn a tablet into a time clock where employees can punch in and out, do job transfer and register lunches and breaks.
    • TrueShift: Offer a time clock that has automated tracking and reporting, making it easy to import to payroll. Use biometric technology to prevent buddy punching. Track up to 500 workers per clock and connect to up to 32 other clocks. Punch in via web or mobile and use a backup camera to verify punches and keep compliant. It can track overtime pay and other wage requirements. Print and email timecard reports and clock in or out with a fingerprint, proximity badge, web punch or PIN entry.
    • InVision Iris Recognition Time Clock: Use iris recognition to ensure employees are working. Integrate with the rest of the HR and time and attendance. Prevent rework and cut down on errors. It works with contacts, goggles, glasses and face masks up to 15 inches away. Track up to 50,000 workers. Unlike a retinal scanner, it doesn’t store images. Instead, encrypt templates to guarantee privacy.
  • Online Learning: Use the built-in learning system. Provide eight free courses to users and customize/build current training, classes, quizzes and videos. Promote skill acquisition, up-skilling and career development. Run classes for on and offsite students. Use the calendar to schedule an in-person training, track transcripts and create content. Access the additional content libraries for purchase and provide surveys so employers can get feedback. Subjects include business, HR compliance, leadership, management, sales, software and workplace safety.
  • Payment Options: Gives options for paying employees, including same-day ACH capability, direct deposit, paper checks and pay cards.
  • Accounting: Manage payment and HR data with the accounting-specific dashboard. Access a library of resources, including tax forms and CPE courses. Import files through the general ledger service and post payroll data through the enterprise solution. Integrate with Sage Intacct, QuickBooks and Xero. Upload or download many files for one or multiple companies from one location.
  • Workers Compensation: Handle workers’ compensation covering medical expenses and lost wages while still ensuring stable cash flow. Provide insurance plans from A-rated national carriers.
  • Onboarding: Give new employees paperwork to fill out online. Customize the experience with personalized messages, welcome videos or other information about the company culture.
  • Payroll Protection: Let managers extend funds from a bank account for up to seven days without services being interrupted or charges for insufficient funds. Process two same-day ACH requests for a last-minute payroll, correcting pay or adding an employee. Help build business credit, deal with fraud, gain small business loans and more.
Gusto
Gusto
Start Price
$40
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Gusto

Gusto is a well-reviewed payroll solution which many users enjoy for its good design and easy-to-use features. It’s UI and payroll processing abilities in particular make it a popular choice for automating payroll. Many also feel it handles benefits and PTO well. Some say it's an affordable choice given what it does while others note that it’s on the pricey side. The time tracking features aren’t universally loved. Users are split on the integration abilities with around 10% satisfied and around 10% dissatisfied. All in all, it appears to be a good solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their payroll. Keep an eye on the price and, as always, demo extensively before buying.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy to Use: Just under 70% of all reviewers found this product easy to use with 10% specifically praising the design.
  • Great Conflict Resolution: The customer service was noted for being helpful, knowledgeable and excellent at resolving errors.
  • Helpful Features: Around 40% of reviewers said they appreciated the functionality, particularly praising the tax system, deductions, payroll processing and multiple payment options.
  • Appropriate Pricing: Over 30% of users felt that the price was well worth the system.
  • Good for Small Business: This was called a good choice for small businesses in over 10% of reviews.
  • Issues with Certain Functionality: While around 40% felt the solution worked well, another 40% reported issues, especially with the time tracking and integration features.
  • Slow/Pushy Customer Support: Around 10% of users reported negative experiences with customer service. Of them around 50% felt the staff was pushy and trying to upsell them and 50% felt they had to wait too long for answers or couldn't get in touch with them online.

Key Features

  • Payroll Processing: Automatically calculate employee checks and file taxes while using online faxing, filing and signing technologies.
    • Payroll Reports: Send money out weekly, bi-weekly, twice a month or monthly. Calculate an employee’s gross pay before taxes by simply entering the amount they should receive. Figure out overtime pay for hourly workers whether they have one or multiple pay rates. Leverage other payroll capabilities such as calculating unlimited and off-cycle payrolls, employee reimbursements, bonuses and more.
    • Automated Taxes: Calculate, file and pay all payroll taxes per local and federal legislation through direct deposit. Generate and send 940, 941, 1099, 8974 and W-2 forms for full-time employees and independent contractors. Manage deductions, garnishments and send child support in all states except for South Carolina. Make adjustments, get support and enter claims for the Federal R&D Tax Credit, FLSA minimum wage requirements and the FICA Tip Credit tax.
    • E-Signatures: Sign and file important documents and forms such as W-2’s, 1099s, 940s, 941s and 8974s. Make it easier to get everyone’s ducks in a row, even when separated by thousands of miles.
    • Leave Tracking: Set up and monitor vacation time, time off and sick time. Choose federal holidays or create other holidays for organizations that accommodate different faiths, locations or cultures.
  • Benefits: Make the necessary deductions automatically for medical insurance, 401(K) contributions and more. Give employees dental, medical and vision insurance and help them find the appropriate plan. Provide other benefits such as 529 (college) savings, commuter perks, disability insurance, FSAs, HSAs, life insurance and workers’ compensation.
  • Wallet: Manage banking accounts, emergency funds, paychecks and savings. Create as many as five saving goals, which deduct funds automatically from the correlating spending accounts — transfer funds from savings to spending easily. Put paychecks in different accounts and let workers see checks and the specifics of deductions, hours and taxes. Give access to paystubs, the Wallet app and W-2s.
  • Worker Management: Give workers digital paystubs accessible by the payday email, account or Wallet app. Let employees send money to charities, organize workers into departments and set policies for PTO and sick leave. Customize and assign various permissions to ensure users can access the appropriate content but not sensitive data.
  • Self-Service: Let employees complete tasks like adding dependents, picking out plans and scheduling changes to plans based on personal details. Let them retain access to specific account information after termination to cut down on unnecessary content. Organize reports based on teams or departments and let workers sign essential documents like I-9s and W-4s.
  • New Employees: Report new hires to the government automatically. Send out onboarding papers before new staff members start so they can fill out bank details, contact information and W-4s. Use an onboarding to-do list for tasks like adding employees to the payroll, background checks, filling out an employee’s I-9, setting up benefits and signing forms.
  • Directory: Create an address book of employees with profile pictures and contact information. Give new workers org charts to see where they fit in the organization. Organize fun facts, t-shirt or merch orders, birthdays and communal coffee dates.
  • Calendar Sync: Track deadlines, birthdays and employee anniversaries and sync with other calendars in iCalendar, Google, and Outlook.
  • Integrations: Uses closed APIs. Integrate with platforms like Accelo, Asana, Box, Clover, Dropbox, Expensify, FreshBooks, Github, G Suite, Homebase, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks Online, Receipt Bank, Slack, SpotOn, TSheets, Veryfi, When I Work, Xero, Ximble, Zoom and more. Contact the vendor for custom connections.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Generate and download reports for benefits, payment history, bank transactions, PTO, contract work, tax payments and more

Pricing

License/Subscription Cost
  • Gusto offers the following pricing plans:
    • Basic
      • $6/month per person
      • $19/month base price Core
    • Core
      • $6/month per person
      • $39/month base price Core
    • Complete
      • $12/month per person
      • $39/month base price
    • Concierge
      • $12/month per person
      • $149/month base price
    • For independent contractors
      • $6/month per person with no base price
Maintenance Cost
  • There’s no maintenance fee mentioned on the pricing page.
Installation/Implementation Cost
  • There’s no implementation fee mentioned on the pricing page.
Customization Cost
  • Get customizable employee onboarding tools as part of the Complete and Concierge plans.
Data Migration Cost/Change Management/Upfront Switching Cost
  • Migration costs listed on the website.
Recurring/Renewal Costs
  • The cost appears equivalent to the monthly subscription fee.
TriNet PEO
TriNet PEO
Start Price
$80
Per Employee, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked TriNet PEO

TriNet is a payroll and HR processing software that also offers PEO services and has many excellent reviews from satisfied consumers. The core features of the system such as payroll processing, PTO, benefits management and 401(k) plans. Many also enjoyed the TriNet marketplace that offers discounts and sales for various services. They also had good relationships with their customer service representatives. All in all, many felt the system allowed them to provide good benefits to small companies that wouldn’t have access to them otherwise.
The biggest complaint by far was about the price. Reviewers were unhappy with the overall price, described the structure as confusing or even “opaque,” didn’t like the annual jumps in the price for benefits and didn’t feel the company negotiated well enough with insurance companies. They also had trouble navigating the phone support and didn’t like the dated feeling of the UI. This solution is definitely best for small to medium-sized businesses, especially those looking for HR consulting in addition to payroll management.

Pros & Cons

  • Payroll Processing: A total of 95% of reviewers discussing the tool’s payroll processing were happy with the capabilities and felt it worked well.
  • Benefits Management: Over 90% of users who discussed the benefits felt it was worth the cost and were happy with the management and options it provided.
  • HR and PEO Services: Users were happy with the platform’s HR services as a Professional Employer Organization in over 90% of reviews that discussed it.
  • Small Businesses: People felt this system worked well for small businesses because of its ease-of-use and overall HR and payroll capabilities in more than 90% of reviews.
  • Open Enrollments: Over 80% of users felt that the solution made it easy to go through the open enrollment process.
  • Ease of Use: The UI was described as being intuitive and easy to navigate in more than 80% of cases.
  • Excellent Customer Service: Users were thrilled with their representatives and loved the customer service in over 80% of reviews who discussed this topic.
  • Consistent Rise in Prices: Nearly 80% of reviewers who mentioned price were unhappy with the annual jumps in cost, pricey insurance or simply felt it was too expensive overall.
  • Poor Phone Support: More than 70% of all reviews who mentioned contacting customer service by phone said it was slow and hard to get through to their representative.
  • Dated Look and Feel: While most like the UI, around 20% said the solution’s look was dated.

Key Features

  • Payroll Management: Manage payroll, taxes, hiring, direct deposit, visibility of pay stubs and W-2s, automated and estimated invoicing and more. Let employees view, modify or enroll in benefits, see tax forms and easily track PTO. Follow the entire employee lifecycle such as hiring, onboarding, promotion and offboarding.
  • Benefits:
    • Insurance: Manage insurance for employees, spouses and pets such as health insurance, retirement, critical accident and illness, auto and home insurance, commuter benefits, dental and vision. Use insurance partners like Aetna, Aflac, Blue Shield of California, Kaiser Permanente, Mass Mutual, MetLife, Transamerica and UnitedHealth Group.
    • Retirement: Manage 401(k) plans to attract top talent and handle the contributions, data management compliance testing, investing, loan process and more. Invest in a mix of active and passive funds from more than one company.
  • Company Size: Operates at different company sizes — five to 19 employees, 20 to 29 employees, 100 to 499 employees and 500 to over 1,000 workers.
  • Integrations: Use the open API and a few pre-configured integrations to coordinate with accounting software, general ledger systems, data productivity and more. Some of the integrations include BambooHR, Google Cloud, Microsoft, Netsuite, Okta, Sage Intacct and Xero.
  • Time and Attendance: Handle scheduling, overtime, project expenses, clocking in and out, PTO and time-off requests and more. Give supervisors a comprehensive overview of worker hours whenever they need it.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Provides insight into benefits, HR, payroll, expenses and more. Choose from premade reports and export them into CSV, Excel or PDF formats. See the highest costs, overtime, fees and figure out how to control them. Understand how the organization is growing, turnover rates, benchmarks and sort by function, location or role. Use template options like pre-formatted, flex and customized reports.
  • Compliance: Improve compliance with reporting for ACA standards, required forms and automatic submissions.
  • Manage Expenses: Monitor expenses and examine receipts, cash flow, mileage and other issues. Accessible from phones so employees can accurately report expenses from anywhere.
  • Other Services: Use software for different subjects and HR consulting services such as talent management, recruiting, performance reviews and a learning management system.
Dayforce
Dayforce
Start Price
$6
Per Employee, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked Dayforce

Dayforce, a popular AI-powered HCM solution, caters to businesses across various industries on a global scale. It’s perfect for large teams and companies needing a scalable and adaptable platform. Most of its features are user-friendly, making it relatively easy to learn and navigate.

Dayforce stands out with its mobile time-off requests, smart benefit enrollment recommendations, TeamRelate, Dayforce Wallet and automated payroll calculations. It also offers robust support for day-to-day operations, including reports and dashboards, org charts, shift trades, and compliance.

The mobile app and self-service platform give employees the freedom to handle tasks like accessing pay stubs, viewing schedules, and submitting time-off requests independently, which reduces the need for admin intervention.

Dayforce tackles common HR challenges like managing varied payroll and compliance needs, dealing with tricky reporting, and making employee self-service easier. While users appreciate its mobile features and schedule management, they’ve mentioned that reporting can be a bit complex and time-consuming, sometimes leading to long waits for customer support.

The demo reveals a comprehensive hub serving as a centralized dashboard, providing news updates, team objectives, pending tasks, and recommended applications like performance management and recruiting.

Personally, I thought the scheduling module looked a little cluttered/complicated for beginners, but you can use filters to narrow down results and make it look less busy/cleaner.

Payroll processing demands a hawk's eye when it comes to details. I thought Dayforce had a reasonably straightforward payroll design.

Engagement surveys offer compact insights into employee sentiment and effectiveness, while customizable dashboards and scorecards display key metrics on workforce dynamics, such as availability, recruitment metrics, and turnover rates.

Automated alerts and integration with job boards enhance recruiting, and self-service features support career development, HR and benefits enrollment.

The chatbot provided a brief welcome and directed me to the Help Center after I chose support. The chat ended there, and I encountered the issue of the conversation not clearing when the page was reopened.

Pricing is competitive, based on user numbers and selected modules (charged per month).

Overall, Dayforce is a comprehensive HCM software that effectively supports managing people, pay and compliance.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy PTO Tracking: Dayforce simplifies requesting and viewing PTO and tracking employee hours.
  • User-Friendly Interface and Features: Dayforce receives praise for being easy to set up and navigate.
  • Comprehensive: Dayforce is effective for managing payroll, benefits, and workforce management (WFM), providing real-time data and streamlined record-keeping. Custom reporting, time management and compensation planning are highlighted as strong features.
  • Consistency: The system integrates well across various functions such as HR, payroll, and time management, helping to consolidate processes and improve efficiency.
  • Reporting: Report creation can be cumbersome and not very user-friendly. The ability to convert fixed reports into customizable formats and access more diverse formats is limited.
  • Outdated Employee Self-Service: Some users found this feature outdated without improved auditing and traceability features for payroll elections.
  • Frequent Updates: Some updates lead to slow down and create a learning curve for some users.
  • Implementation Process: Users reported implementation can have high up-front costs, take longer than expected and cause frustration.
  • Customer Support: Users experienced long response times and additional fees.

Key Features

  • Core HR: Centralize employee info, manage performance, carry out recruiting, oversee payroll and get reports for data-driven decision-making.
  • Employee Self-Service (ESS): Let users enroll in benefits, view pay details, update personal information, access learning resources and stay current on announcements.
  • Payroll: Roll out a variety of payroll tasks, including tax management, employee verification and data entry for unique situations like retroactive payments. Dashboards provide insights and reporting tools support payroll reconciliation.
  • Benefits: Fast track enrollment by letting employees independently enroll for coverage. Admins can access enrollment totals, a library of qualification rules, on-demand calculations and streamlined COBRA management. It also integrates with hundreds of carriers and incorporates features to ensure ACA compliance.
  • Talent Management: Manage every phase of an employee lifecycle, from recruiting and onboarding to succession planning. Track performance in a holistic view, plan budgets effectively and reskill current employees with AI talent tools.
  • Workforce Management: Process payroll, manage sick days or vacation time, and view reports on key trends like spending for proactive planning.
  • Compliance Support: Safeguard sensitive information with role-based access and ease multi-jurisdictional tax filings with tax services for federal, state and local jurisdictions.
  • Customer Support: Get help with questions and concerns through live chat or phone. Access additional resources on the website like the help center and webinars.
  • Dayforce Wallet: Provide employees access to their earned wages before payday. This flexibility improves financial wellness and reduces employee stress associated with waiting for a paycheck. It also provides functionalities such as budgeting tools and financial planning resources. Note: The amount available depends on completed shifts and standard transfer time is between 1-3 business days. Faster transfers require additional fees.
TriNet
TriNet
Start Price
$8
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Request Pricing Request Demo

Why We Picked TriNet

In HR, you're responsible for a lot of paperwork for core functions like recruiting, tax filing, payroll and performance management (just to name a few). Trying to keep every document organized and secure the old-fashioned way might feel like managing the Smithsonian.;

TriNet can alleviate your document management woes by keeping everything in one place in the cloud.

Its platform includes HR management and administration tools, recruiting, payroll and benefits. Overall, I found the design practical and simple. It didn't leave me guessing where to find things.;

Manage access to folders and documents, create custom folders and specify which employees have access. In the upper right corner, you'll find your profile along with an arrow that reveals menu options. The top right also features your inbox, notifications, help and a handy search bar.

It has separate tabs for worker and company documents. Creating folders to stay organized is easy with the bright orange "Create New Folder" option. Each document allows you to hover over it, where you can click the pencil icon to edit or the trash can icon to delete.

Manage employees’ benefits eligibility, view benefit costs and change enrollment details. Scroll down and see everything covered under your plan, from dental and vision to life insurance. To get employees on board, set your open enrollment dates and automate notifications.;

Customize email invites, preview the employee experience and ensure no one misses enrollment – once it’s open, they’ll see it as a task at the top of their dashboard.;

There’s no guessing when it comes to employee costs, the company contribution and total because it’s laid out clearly in the monthly cost breakdown. Plus, when enrollment time rolls around, there’s a start renewal link, side-by-side plan comparisons and a quoting tool.;

My favorite feature is the step-by-step guide because even if you’ve gone through the labyrinth of benefits enrollment seemingly a hundred times, there’s still a lot of ground to cover, which makes setting everything up less overwhelming. Make your enrollment setup unforgettable with benefits checklists that ensure employees don’t miss important options.

The payroll module is reasonably straightforward. The layout is on the simple side, featuring main menu optionhs including Overviews, People, Timeline, Reports, Taxes, Forms and Settings.;

Just like conveniently passing by a coffee shop on your way to work, essentially every payroll task you have to check off is connected and easy to find. Manage employee notifications, download payroll reports and approve payroll — all in one place.;

The candidate landing page is simple. It shows the person’s name to the very left; on the right, you can view their contact info (there’s a phone icon and email icon), location, workflow status, source (like your career page) and the date they applied.


So, what happens after clicking a candidate's name? You get directed to their profile and, from there, view their resume, scorecard, assessments, emails and documents. There are options at the top to reject or advance candidates. Once they move to hiring, you select their start date and press hire candidate, and ta-da — you’re greeted with virtual confetti.;

I like that there are conveniently automated communication options like sending text messages. It's especially helpful if you’re hiring multiple people and don’t want to lose track of candidates or get anyone stuck in one of the hiring steps.;

While everyone learns things at their own pace, from my perspective, I found TriNet a good fit for beginners.;

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of Use: Many users find the platform simple to navigate, making it easy to view paychecks, track time and attendance, manage payroll, and administer benefits.
  • Automation: Payroll and benefits processes are largely automated, reducing manual tasks and improving efficiency.
  • Customer Support: The support team is often praised for being professional, friendly and helpful. There are various support options available, including chat and phone and the ability to track case submissions.
  • Smooth Benefits Enrollment: Most users like its insurance options (especially with it being all integrated right into the platform), including re-enrollment options, multiple language support and mobile enrollment. Overall, the majority found the process hassle-free.
  • Basic Functionality: Users find the platform design on the basic side, which can be a double-edged sword. While it simplifies navigation, it may feel less intuitive.
  • Customer Support Wait Times: Some users reported long wait times and the need to connect with multiple support representatives. There are designated support representatives, but the availability depends on the plan you opt for.
  • Integration Challenges: There have been difficulties linking multiple companies within the platform, complicating things like time-off approvals.

Key Features

  • Payroll: Log on, go to your payroll overview, and you'll see tasks you need to complete at the top. Click open payroll and review and approve your next pay run. There are also indicators that let you know if anything looks off to prevent payroll errors.
    • Pay Cycle Tracking: Monitor pay cycles and important dates categorized by employee groups (exempt vs non-exempt) with downloadable calendar views.
    • Advanced Issue Notifications: Receive indicators for potential payroll issues prior to final approval, with advanced filters for insights (location, department, job code).
    • Reimbursements: Make reimbursements easy. Choose the type (like driving) and enter the amount right on the platform.
  • Integrations: Integrate with popular accounting software platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.
  • Benefits Administration: Offer standard medical, dental and vision benefits, along with life and disability insurance. Additionally, there are commuter benefits, COBRA administration, workers comp, FSA and HSA. Filter from hundreds of providers for easy comparison and manage their information from a dashboard.
    • Transparent Pricing: Know where your money's going with monthly cost breakdowns that lay out all the details, from dental to life insurance.
  • Time Management: Keep an eye on clock-in/out times and hours worked with real-time dashboards. Set up customizable PTO policies, streamline workflows, view calendars, approve requests with a click and let employees manage their sick days/time-off requests.
  • TimeKeeper iPad App: Protect against fraud and time theft by taking pictures of employees when they check in or out.
  • Performance Management: Leverage goal management, meetings, action items and performance tracking. Run peer and 360-degree reviews using prebuilt templates and customizable questions.
  • Document Management: Centralize employee documents, create custom folders and specify which employees have access.
  • Recruiting and Hiring: Handle all your hiring tasks digitally, fast track completing offer letters with templates and run background checks.
    • Job Post Sharing: Share job listings on free job boards and social media, or boost them on paid channels with just a few clicks.
    • Automated Communication: Send automated texts, emails and notifications to prevent candidates from getting stuck in one step of the hiring process.
    • Candidate Profiles: Click on a candidate's name to access their profile, where you can view their resume, scorecard, assessments, emails, and documents all in one place. Easily reject or advance candidates with just a click from their profile.
    • Seamless Hiring: Once you select a candidate for hire, simply choose their start date and hit "hire." Celebrate when they’re officially onboarded.
  • Onboarding: New hire info syncs across the suite, so you won't have to enter it twice (or worry about double entry). New employees can also manage their part of the process to keep everything accurate and on time.
    • Employee Progress Dashboard: Track who’s completed enrollment and send reminders or invitations to new hires.
  • Compliance Assistant: Use this built-in tool to track federal HR deadlines and set custom reminders. You’ll find detailed explanations of compliance deadlines that could affect your business and sync reminders with your personal calendar. There are also resources to provide a better understanding of regulatory requirements, including ACA, COBRA, EEOC and I-9 compliance.

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ADP RUN
$79
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Yes
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ADP RUN
Paycom
$25
Per Employee, Monthly
No
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Paycom
Paylocity
$19
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No
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Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Paylocity
Paychex
$39
Monthly
Yes
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Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Paychex
UKG Pro
$100
Per User, Monthly
No
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UKG Pro
Paychex Flex
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Gusto
$40
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TriNet PEO
$80
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TriNet PEO
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$6
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ADP RUN

by ADP
ADP RUN
Like a classic rom-com montage, running a small business means trying on a lot of hats. Processing payroll alone is a complex, time-consuming task. That's where ADP RUN comes in—it's a cloud-based payroll service specifically for small businesses, keeping your payroll processing and HR management out of the horror genre.When you need to complete multiple tasks without the manpower of larger corporations, ADP RUN (also known as RUN POWERED by ADP) helps you do the job(s).Here's how: Automating the entire payroll process (including recurring payroll with RUN DONE). Calculating deductions and withholdings. Self-onboarding employees. Detecting payroll errors. Working on the go with the mobile app.ADP RUN at a Glance Price Starting from $79 monthly (additional $4 per employee). Deployment Method Cloud-based. Business Size Most suitable for small businesses. Popular Integrations QuickBooks, Xero, Tsheets, When I Work, ZipRecruiter. Customer Service Availability Live chat agents are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. A.V.A. (virtual assistant) is available 24/7. User Experience Nearly 90% of users recommend it. Training Documentation, videos, live online, webinars and demos. Mobile App Yes, 4.9 review score according to Google Play. Let’s be honest: not everyone is a fast learner. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, ADP RUN has step-by-step screens and quick tips for completing tasks.There’s direct deposit for paying your employees and additional options like Wisely Direct (an ADP-exclusive debit card) and ADPCheck.Manage everything from your personalized dashboard, including upcoming payrolls, to-dos, payroll history and quick access to all RUN features.Run powered by ADP is under the ADP umbrella, which earns recognition on our top ten list of the best HR software. Additionally, ADP Workforce Now is in the top five for applicant tracking and recruiting, compensation management, employee self service, and learning management.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Paycom

by Paycom, Inc.
Paycom
Paycom is a cloud-based payroll management software designed to streamline payroll processing for businesses of all sizes. It automates tasks like calculating taxes, generating paychecks, and filing reports, saving time and reducing errors. Paycom is particularly well-suited for companies with complex payroll needs, such as those with multiple locations, international employees, or union contracts. Some of Paycom's key benefits include its ease of use, scalability, and compliance support. The software is known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive features, making it easy for both administrators and employees to navigate. Paycom can also be customized to meet the specific needs of different businesses, regardless of size or industry. Additionally, Paycom stays up-to-date on all tax and regulatory changes, ensuring that businesses are always in compliance. When compared to similar payroll products, Paycom generally receives positive reviews from users for its user-friendly interface, comprehensive features, and reliable customer support. However, it is also known to be one of the more expensive options on the market, with pricing based on the number of employees and the complexity of payroll needs. Pros Easy to use interface Comprehensive features Reliable customer support Scalable for businesses of all sizes Strong compliance support Cons Higher cost compared to competitors Complex pricing structure May require additional setup for complex needs Limited reporting customization options Not ideal for very small businesses
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Paylocity

by paylocity
Paylocity
Paylocity is an all-in-one cloud payroll solution that enables organizations of every size to execute administrative tasks such as talent acquisition, time and labor management, and other core processes. Its functionality includes multiple configuration options that allow companies to customize according to their needs.It contains robust security measures such as encryption, real-time backups and secure data centers. It also has a user-friendly mobile app that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Paychex

by Paychex
Paychex
Paychex provides payment processing, time-keeping and other general human resource software. They offer this to self-employed users, small businesses, medium business and large enterprise ventures. Buyers can choose from various pricing plans and payment options such as direct deposit, real-time transfers and same-day ACH. Most versions have some core HR management and pay processing functionalities.Based in the cloud, it assists with hiring, onboarding, tax filing, benefits management, business insurance, startup services and more. Users can customize it to meet their specific needs, adding only what they use. This allows administrators to ensure it fits their requirements, whether they be simple or complex.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
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UKG Pro

by UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)
UKG Pro
UKG Pro is a cloud-based suite designed to streamline global human capital management. It integrates essential features such as payroll, benefits administration, recruiting, onboarding and learning management.UKG Pro stands out in key areas like document management, payroll management, professional services and maintenance, earning it a spot as one of our top five HR products.UKG Pro incorporates advanced technologies like machine learning, AI, predictive analytics and business intelligence. These innovations optimize performance, automate tasks, enhance workforce understanding and foster employee retention.Notably, its advanced scheduling feature prioritizes workforce well-being by ensuring optimal staffing levels and controlling labor costs.Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in enhancing HR capabilities through schedule optimization, statistical forecasting, retention prediction, employee sentiment analysis and candidate matching.Starting at $100 per user per month, UKG Pro offers a per-user pricing model with a free trial available upon request. It features 24/7 live support, empowering employees through self-service portals, seamless integrations with payroll and benefits systems, and analytics capabilities for data-driven decision-making.As UKG Dimension is being sunsetted, some of its functionality is moving to the main system.Users appreciate UKG Pro's seamless integration with leading payroll, timekeeping, and benefits systems. However, some find the software's interface unintuitive and report limitations in its reporting functionality.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
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Paychex Flex

by Paychex
Paychex Flex
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based compensation and HR solution with the capability to serve thousands of employees. While there is an essential core version that mainly handles financials, it runs a wide range of departments and tasks. Some of its functions include payment management, benefits, talent management, time clocks, attendance, workforce management and more. It’s a scalable option with unique versions for small, medium and large businesses with different versions for groups of varying sizes, including one to nine, 10 to 49, and 50 to thousands. It also has distinct user roles for workers, managers or administrators. A winner of multiple industry awards, its automation cuts down on time doing manual operations like processing payments, auto calculating taxes and staying up to date with current rates and compliance.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Gusto

by Gusto
Gusto
Gusto is a web-based payroll system for medium-sized organizations. It handles benefits, compliance, direct deposit, employee self-service, employee management, payment processing and taxes. Using automation, calculators and other administrative and HR modules, users can streamline the entire process of paying employees. It integrates with other technologies to offer expanded services such as accounting, bookkeeping, POS, time tracking and other business operations. In addition to filing taxes, it scans the laws of over 50 states to ensure accurate state and federal payments, helping organizations avoid penalties.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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TriNet PEO

by Trinet
TriNet PEO
TriNet is a payroll and full-service HR solution used by small and medium-sized businesses. Users have access to HR consulting, risk and compliance, benefits, payroll services and an employee and manager self-service portal.Some of its offerings include tax calculation, benefits management, insurance, risk mitigation, reporting, expense management and more.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Platform
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Dayforce

by Dayforce, Inc.
Dayforce
Dayforce is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform that offers a full suite of tools for managing payroll, workforce management, career development, benefits and HR tasks.It's a great pick for larger teams looking to streamline onboarding and training with performance management tools that support ongoing career development. Plus, its self-service portal gives employees more independence.Ranked in the top five on our HR software list, Dayforce stands out as the Best for Reporting and Dashboards. It shines with features like employee engagement, succession management and compensation management.With tools for workforce insights, personalized coaching, and mobile access, managers can enhance engagement and adapt more efficiently, which helps cut down on turnover and anticipate trends. Mobile time-tracking tablets and time clocks help minimize errors and ensure more accurate payroll.The platform offers customizable dashboards, automated payroll calculations, centralized employee info and engagement tracking. Users love its intuitive, easy-to-use design and self-service options that lighten the admin load. However, some find the reporting feature a bit tricky; while reports are customizable, getting them set up can be complex.Pricing varies based on the number of users and chosen modules, generally falling between $6 and $12 per employee per month, which is mid-range compared to other options out there.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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TriNet

by Zenefits
TriNet
TriNet is a cloud-based HR solution that’s ideal for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on payroll, benefits and compliance. Acquired by TriNet in February 2022, Zenefits was previously recognized for its all-in-one approach to HR, emphasizing benefits administration and employee management. The platform supports onboarding new employees, tracking time and attendance, managing payroll and monitoring performance. After running through the demo, I felt that navigation was particularly well-suited for beginners. Its simple layout streamlines administrative tasks without needing extensive HR expertise. An issue a lot of workplaces face is handling employee burnout. Many users mention how easy it is to submit PTO, helping their employees take the time off they need without needing admin approval. Another common HR challenge is benefits enrollment. With so many plan options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. On top of that, employees often have limited time to make decisions, which can lead to rushed choices or forgetting to enroll at all. TriNet addresses these challenges by providing tools like automated notifications and detailed cost breakdowns to simplify the enrollment process. Users appreciate the user-friendly interface and automated processes, which lessen the manual workload for HR teams. Some consider it basic, but most value its straightforward design. In contrast, opinions vary on customer support wait times. There are three pricing plans: Essentials $8 annually or $10 monthly, Growth $16 annually or $20 monthly, and Zen $27 annually or $33 monthly, all charged per user. For exact pricing information, we recommend requesting a quote from their website. Overall, TriNet helps manage payroll, benefits and employee performance with tools like time tracking, automated payroll and employee engagement surveys. What else can it do? Let’s take a closer look. TriNet at a Glance Support Options Phone and email Training videos Help Center Chat Top Modules/Functions and Our Analyst Score Time and attendance (100) Document management (98) Payroll management (95) Strengths User-friendly design Easy benefits enrollment Automation options Limitations Mixed reviews on customer support wait times. Basic functionality may lack depth for advanced users. Mobile Access Yes. (2.2 rating on Google Play) Industry Specialties Serves all industries, including but not limited to: Healthcare Technology Manufacturing Professional Services Retail Pricing Plans Feature/Functionality Essentials Growth Zen Price $8 annually, $10 monthly $16 annually, $20 monthly $27 annually, $33 monthly Core HR Included Yes Yes Yes Benefits Yes Yes Yes Recruiting Yes Yes Yes Time and Attendance Yes Yes Yes HR Advisory Desk Yes Yes Yes People Analytics No Yes Yes Real-time Comparison Salary Data No Yes Yes Custom Compensation Benchmark Options No Yes Yes Goal Management No Yes Yes Employee Engagement Surveys No No Yes People Hub No No Included Payroll Tax Filing Add-On Add-On Included General Ledger Add-On Add-On Included Contractor payments Add-On Add-On Included
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Xero

by Xero Limited
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses. It streamlines bookkeeping tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and payroll, all accessible from any device. Xero boasts user-friendly interfaces and automated features, saving time and simplifying financial management. Popular features include online invoicing with reminders, bank feeds for automatic transaction import, and customizable reports for insights into cash flow and profitability. While Xero caters well to various industries, its strengths lie in freelancer/contractor work, startups, and service-based businesses. Pricing scales with business size and complexity, starting at a monthly subscription for basic accounting needs and increasing with additional features and users. Compared to some competitors, Xero offers a robust mobile app, strong integrations with third-party tools, and a focus on user experience. However, it may lack advanced inventory management or complex accounting functions suited for larger enterprises. Ultimately, Xero's value proposition lies in its ease of use, automation, and scalability, making it a popular choice for small businesses seeking a streamlined and efficient accounting solution. Pros: Cloud-based access anywhere Easy invoicing and expense tracking Automated bank reconciliation User-friendly interface Mobile app for on-the-go use Cons: Learning curve for new users Limited inventory management No built-in payroll (separate fee) Higher cost for advanced features Limited phone support
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Platform
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Workday HCM

by Workday, Inc
Workday HCM
Workday HCM is a SaaS solution that unifies all aspects of managing the employee lifecycle in a single HRMS. The suite of modules allows organizations to operate globally, run payroll, administer benefits, manage talent and facilitate learning, among other things. While designed for medium and large enterprises, the platform can support the needs of smaller businesses as well. A business process framework provides control for all internal processes. The software is also equipped with audit tools and built-in security capabilities, and it offers mobile apps for flexible access.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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ADP Workforce Now

by ADP (iProspect)
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a cloud and on-premise platform for businesses seeking a one-stop shop for everything HR, including remote, in-office or hybrid teams. It operates as a professional employer organization (PEO), offering tools to tackle complex and time-consuming HR tasks.It includes payroll management, time and attendance, talent management and benefits administration. Tools like payroll automation, data syncing and error detection help HR managers overcome common challenges like payroll inaccuracies and time-consuming manual processing.It's ideal for teams that want to boost efficiency and save time on core HR tasks while navigating compliance regulations. Its key features include applicant tracking and recruiting, compensation management, document management, employee onboarding, employee self-service and payroll management.It’s embedded with protective layers such as physical security, intelligent detection, fraud defense and other mechanisms for enhanced security and data privacy.According to recent user reviews, users generally find it intuitive and reasonably easy to navigate. In contrast, some users report long customer support wait times.Monthly pricing starts at $110. Pricing also depends on features, modules or packages selected, such as bundling payroll and HR. A free trial is also available. Pros Custom reporting Easy clocking in and out Detailed, accessible paystubs Cons Customer support variations Learning curve during implementation Occasional slowness
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
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APS Payroll

by Automatic Payroll Systems
APS Payroll
Designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, APS Payroll is a cloud-based solution for managing human resources. It provides features to help automate and streamline a variety of core HR tasks including processing payroll, tracking time and attendance, hiring the best talent, managing employee benefits, and creating analytic reports based on user data.Users can access their account from any internet-connected device to conveniently complete tasks. Built with scalability in mind, it’s able to grow with businesses. Additionally, each organization has access to a dedicated support team and account lead that can assist with tech support and field general assistance inquiries.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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SurePayroll

by SurePayroll
SurePayroll
SurePayroll is a web-based solution suitable for small businesses with less than 100 employees. Users can choose from two versions of the software — one for smaller operations. The other serves the needs of individual households that employ a nanny or other caretakers. The full-service solution assists with managing benefits and workers’ compensation. It can also help with processing pay, employee screening and more. Overall, it’s run over 10 million payrolls and supports more than 6,000 different taxes.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Justworks

by Justworks, Inc.
Justworks
Justworks is a cloud-based platform designed to streamline HR processes for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including payroll, benefits administration, and employee onboarding, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking an all-in-one HR solution. Justworks' user-friendly interface and affordability have garnered positive user experiences, particularly among businesses with limited HR resources. The platform's PEO model allows small businesses to access big-company benefits at competitive rates, enhancing their ability to attract and retain talent. Justworks' pricing structure is typically based on a per-employee, per-month basis, with different tiers offering varying levels of functionality. While Justworks offers a robust set of features, businesses with more complex HR needs or those seeking highly customizable solutions may explore alternative platforms. It's recommended to check the Justworks website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Patriot Payroll

by Patriot Software
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll is a full-service accounting and payroll software that offers a variety of integrative add-ons to users. The system’s core functions assist with core payroll tasks, while the add-on features enable the system to function as a full HR suite. This web-based payroll solution processes the payment, calculates taxes, creates reports, runs time and attendance and manages invoices.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Platform
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Namely

by Namely, Inc.
Namely
Namely is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline HR management tasks, making it particularly well-suited for mid-sized companies seeking to manage their workforce efficiently. This platform stands out for its ability to integrate core HR functions, payroll, benefits administration, and talent management into a single, user-friendly interface. One of the key benefits of Namely is its emphasis on improving employee engagement and compliance, offering tools that facilitate a better workplace culture. Its popular features, such as customizable HR workflows and robust reporting capabilities, allow businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs, enhancing operational efficiency. When compared to similar products, users often highlight Namely's intuitive design and responsive customer support as significant advantages. Pricing for Namely typically follows a per-employee-per-month model, which allows for scalability and flexibility in budget planning, making it a cost-effective choice for companies looking to invest in a comprehensive HR management solution.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
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Deployment
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Platform
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Fingercheck

by Fingercheck
Fingercheck
Fingercheck is a cloud-based human resources platform that streamlines hiring, time tracking and payroll tasks along with various other HR management tasks. Beneficial for users at all levels, it allows both employees and employers to streamline workflows. It helps automate payroll processes, connects time tracking, payroll and core HR functions, and automatically tracks and compiles relevant data.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
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Deployment
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OnPay

by OnPay
OnPay
OnPay is designed to address core payroll needs for small businesses and handles basic HR functions as well. It integrates with a variety of other HR systems to enhance HR processes that include time tracking, accounting, benefits and compliance software integrations.It requires no more than a few minutes to set up and features an easy-to-use interface. It also offers assistance with data migration for new users, making the transition even easier.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
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Buyer's Guide

Manufacturing Payroll Software Is All About Automating Payroll and Ensuring Compliance

By Olivia Edens, Technical Content Writer at SelectHub

Manufacturing Payroll BG Intro

Manual payroll processing isn't just time-consuming, it's prone to errors that leave you at risk for non-compliance. From operating machinery to ensuring quality control, you don't have time for payroll errors — that's where manufacturing payroll software comes in.

If you're tired of payroll and tax calculation mishaps or are just looking for an easier way to automate your payroll tasks, it’s time to switch to a manufacturing payroll solution. Dive into the key features, top products and benefits below!

Executive Summary

  • Manufacturing payroll software refers to specialized payroll management software designed to meet your business’s unique manufacturing industry needs. Tailor this software to streamline payroll processes specific to manufacturing operations, considering factors like varying compensation structures, shift differentials and industry regulations.
  • Key features include automated calculations, compliance management, employee databases, tax management and integrations.
  • Manufacturing payroll software enhances efficiency and accuracy, ensures compliance, saves money and empowers employees through self-service functionality.
  • Be sure to ask potential vendors any software questions you have before fully committing to a new purchase.
What This Guide Covers:

What Is Manufacturing Payroll Software?

Manufacturing payroll software is a solution for automating and optimizing manufacturing industry payroll processes. It goes beyond traditional payroll systems by addressing the unique challenges manufacturing businesses face, like shift differentials, overtime calculations and compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Primary Benefits

In the manufacturing realm, precision and efficiency are paramount for success. Before making a software purchase, it's crucial to understand the benefits, ensuring informed decisions that align with industry demands.

Manufacturing Payroll Primary Benefits

Enhance Efficiency and Accuracy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken many industries by storm. For example, according to a study by the AI and technology consulting company Intelion Systems:

“65% of recruiters use AI in their hiring processes."

In payroll specifically, AI leverages predictive analytics to analyze historical payroll data for detecting patterns and trends. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots' natural language processing (NLP) capabilities handle employee payroll inquiries.

In a manufacturing setting, there are larger workforces with varying pay structures, and automation ensures accurate and timely payments. The software also handles complex calculations, including taxes, wages, overtime, shift differentials and bonuses.

Ensure Compliance

Small businesses and individual taxpayers bear an annual burden of nearly $74 billion, accounting for around 24 percent of the total cost of tax compliance.

Instead of spending hours or even days manually monitoring compliance, minimize potential penalties and fines with automatic calculations and tax withholdings based on the latest tax regulations and compliance reminders.

Most payroll solutions include tax filing and generating compliance reports. View and maintain payroll transactions, tax filings and compliance-related documents to simplify record-keeping and ease access in case you have an audit.

Save Money

Comprehensive payroll reports and accounting integrations assist with managing and monitoring your finances, which is especially crucial for small business owners.

In a recent Forbes article, author and entrepreneur Brian Will writes:

“Businesses fail because they don’t know their numbers. A business needs to be running a complete detailed profit and loss (P&L) statement every month. Those numbers are a magic crystal ball into what your company is doing and where it’s going. It gives you the ability to analyze cost and profit trends in every category and to see if costs are going up or down. The P&L will show you payroll percentage costs and gross margins by product or service sold. Too many business owners run their companies out of a shoebox of receipts."

Reporting and analytics capabilities analyze payroll data, track labor costs and identify trends. With better insights into payroll expenses, manufacturing companies simplify making informed decisions like hiring and optimizing your workforce management. These insights also help allocate resources more efficiently.

For many start-ups, employees juggle multiple tasks, increasing the risk of burnout. Manufacturing payroll software additionally reduces the time HR professionals spend on manual data entry, helping unlock productivity without additional staffing — and saving money on labor costs.

Empower Employees

Employee self-service platforms (ESS) provide manufacturing employees with remote access to payroll details, including pay stubs and tax forms. Direct access to employee information enhances transparency for managers and staff.

With ESS, employees update personal information, like contact details, without having to go through HR, reducing the administrative burden and keeping employee profiles up-to-date.

Submit leave requests, view accrued PTO and track working hours (helping reduce schedule conflicts and miscommunication). Provide a unified place for announcements, upcoming paydays and policy updates, keeping everyone connected.

Key Features & Functionality

One small click for you, one giant leap for your company. See how payroll software for manufacturing reshapes your workforce by checking out the following key features.

Shift Differentials

Manufacturing facilities often operate around the clock, encompassing multiple shifts, including night shifts, weekends or holidays.

To encourage employees to work during less desirable hours, employers may offer a shift differential as part of their compensation package.

The shift differential is a percentage or fixed amount added to employee base pay for working specific shifts. Manufacturing payroll software automates this process.
Automated Calculations and Deductions

Automatically calculate gross pay based on the employee's hourly rate or salary and hours worked during the pay period, factoring in overtime, bonuses and other earnings.

Simplify various deductions and contributions, like retirement contributions, health insurance premiums and other voluntary deductions.
Compliance Management

Generate reports for compliance purposes, like W-2 forms, that summarize total earnings, deductions and taxes withheld.

Maintain detailed records of payroll transactions, providing a comprehensive audit trail.

Ensure proper employee classification, distinguishing between full-time, part-time, temporary and contract workers for labor law and regulations compliance.
Employee Database

Store employee information, including personal details, salary or hourly rate, tax withholding details and other relevant data. Centralize employee details for easy and secure access.
Tax Management

Manufacturing payroll software considers federal, state and local tax regulations to calculate the appropriate withholdings for each employee, including income tax, Social Security, Medicare and any other applicable taxes.

Most software vendors provide automatic updates ensuring your business stays up to date on legal and regulatory changes.
Integrations

Integrate with time and attendance systems to track and manage employee hours, helping base payroll calculations on actual work hours.

Integrate with ERP systems for holistic business management by streamlining workflows and centralizing departments.

Additionally, integrating with accounting software helps support financial data transfers and accuracy between payroll and accounting functions.

Software Comparison Strategy

While many manufacturing payroll software options have similar features, choosing the right solution can still be overwhelming. Use this step-by-step guide to streamline your search, ensuring your chosen solution matches with your business’s needs, is scalable for future growth and provides a seamless integration experience.

1. Define Your Industry-Specific Requirements

  • Identify unique manufacturing sector payroll challenges and regulatory requirements.
  • List specific features essential for manufacturing payroll, like shift differentials, overtime calculations and compliance management.

Key question during this phase: What’s your current solution or payroll method lacking that a new system could solve?

2. Evaluate Scalability

  • Assess the software’s scalability to ensure it accommodates your manufacturing business’s growth.
  • Consider future workforce expansions, payroll complexity changes and the software's adaptability.

Key question during this phase: Can this new system keep up as your business grows?

3. Assess User-Friendly Interface:

  • Prioritize software with an intuitive and user-friendly interface to minimize your team’s training time.
  • Test key features usability through demos or trial versions to ensure easy navigation and functionality.

Key question during this phase: How much time does my team have to learn a new manufacturing payroll system? How does the new solution provide support if there’s a learning curve?

4. Check Integration Capabilities

  • Ensure the payroll software seamlessly integrates with existing systems, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software used in manufacturing.
  • Evaluate compatibility with other tools to create a unified and efficient business management ecosystem.

Key question during this phase: Will this integrate with our other systems?

5. Evaluate Your Vendor & Customer Support

  • Investigate each software vendor’s level of customer support.
  • Consider response times, support channel availability and user reviews to gauge each software provider's commitment to customer satisfaction.
  • Check online reviews, read industry guides and ask for colleagues' recommendations. Some vendors provide a free trial, so you can try before you buy.

Key question during this phase: What method does the vendor use to communicate, and does that work with my preferences/availability?

6. Compare Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):

  • Beyond the initial licensing fees, factor in implementation costs, training expenses and ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs.
  • Calculate each software solution’s total cost of ownership to make informed decisions based on long-term financial considerations.

Key question during this phase: Beyond the initial licensing fees, how should we account for implementation costs, training expenses and ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs?

Check out our Lean Selection Methodology for further support during your software comparison process.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

Many types of payroll software share similar factors in terms of cost. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind:

  • Licensing Fees: Understand the pricing model, whether it's per user, per month or a one-time fee.
  • Implementation Costs: Consider any additional software setup and customization costs.
  • Training Expenses: Factor in team training-related software expenses..
  • Upgrades and Maintenance: Be aware of ongoing software updates and maintenance costs.

Questions To Ask

To get a better understanding of your company’s requirements, ask yourself these guiding questions

  • What’s our budget?
  • How many employees will use the software?
  • Will our employees need software-specific training?
  • What are the key operational pain points we’re facing?
  • What must-have features do we need to address those pain points?
  • Do we have the technical resources we need to support implementing and maintaining a new system, or will we need to rely on the vendor?
  • What problems does this software help us solve?

Manufacturing Payroll Key Questions

Here are a few questions to ask potential vendors to help you learn more about the software and vendor:

  • How many years of industry-specific expertise do you have? Do you have experience with businesses of our size?
  • What customer support and training do you offer?
  • Is the software customizable?
  • What data security features does the software offer?
  • What software integrations does it offer?
  • How does your payroll software handle complex manufacturing payroll scenarios like shift differentials, overtime calculations and variable pay structures?
  • To what extent can the software automate repetitive tasks?
  • Is this software compatible with my existing software?
  • How can your software’s capabilities benefit companies in my industry?
  • How does your technical support team handle help requests?
  • How long does onboarding typically take for your product?
  • What’s your product roadmap?
  • What are the software’s core strengths?

Next Steps

Choosing the right manufacturing payroll software is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of your payroll processes within the manufacturing sector.

Streamlining payroll operations improves the quality and speed of your everyday payroll management and provides valuable insights into your workforce and finances. As the manufacturing industry evolves, reliable payroll software becomes indispensable, especially in optimizing payroll administration, time tracking and compliance-related tasks.

Still navigating through the myriad of payroll options? Start withour free comparison report to gain insights into the top manufacturing payroll software leaders.

Remember, the right manufacturing payroll software isn’t just a tool; it's a strategic asset in the era of modern manufacturing. Take the next step today by exploring our comparison report and ensuring your payroll processes are efficient, accurate, and well-equipped for the future. Good luck!

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Olivia
By Olivia Edens
Technical Content Writer
As a SelectHub Technical Writer, Olivia Edens loves helping readers navigate through the world of HR, payroll, field service, PSA, and time and attendance software. Olivia earned a B.A. in English from the University of Phoenix. When she's not researching or editing, she loves rewatching The Office, scootering around the city and taking her cat for a walk. Fun fact: In high school, she won an award for most ideas per minute.
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Joe
Edited By Joe Evans
Content Editor
Joe Evans is an Editor and Senior Market Analyst at SelectHub. A seasoned professional wordsmith, he has a bachelor's degree in journalism and electronic media and a decade of professional expertise in crafting top-tier digital content for niche online brands. He leads his small yet formidable team in producing helpful, compelling content in vital categories like HR, payroll, talent management, performance management, marketing automation home health, MES. When not editing and writing, he enjoys sports, quality time with family and dogs, and remains constantly in pursuit of something new and interesting to read or listen to.
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